Defenders LIVE Podcast

🎧 Episode Summary

In this emotionally charged and deeply inspiring episode, host Lora Thorson welcomes Christian Griffith, a survivor of child sexual abuse turned extreme endurance athlete and vocal advocate for trauma survivors. From starring in the History Channel’s The Selection: Special Operations Experiment to running 3,142 miles across America, Christian shares his journey of healing, resilience, and advocacy.

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Listeners are taken on a roller coaster through intense mental and physical trials, the raw truths of his past, and the powerful lessons he’s drawn from both.

🚨 RE-RUN ALERT 🚨This episode hit deep... and it’s worth every second.

🎙️ Christian Griffith—you may know him from The Selection on the History Channel, but there’s WAY more to his story.

💥 What you’ll hear:🔹 Surviving unthinkable childhood trauma🔹 Wrestling with forgiveness—not pretending it's easy🔹 The bold reason behind his 3,000-mile run across America🔹 What real courage looks like (hint: it’s not polished)🔹 How to fight for healing when the battle is within

👇 Drop a 💬 if you’ve watched this one before—or if it’s your first time tuning in.

🎧 Full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/@defenderslive/videos🔥 And don’t miss next week’s Slingin’ Lead highlight episode—coming soon!

Notable Quotes

* “You can always do more than you think you can.”

* "Never quit—even when the wheels fall off, ride the axles."

* “I want to be the man my grandfather was—resilient, responsible, respected.”

🌐 Connect with Christian Griffith

* Website: run2heal.org

* Instagram: @‌christian_griffith

* Charity: Run2Heal – Advocating for child abuse survivors through endurance sports and storytelling

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In this deeply insightful episode, Lora welcomes Shane Kerwin, a seasoned Special Forces Medical Sergeant and sniper with over two decades of military experience. Together, they explore the intricate journey of transitioning from elite military service to training everyday citizens in personal defense. Shane shares how his deep-rooted philosophy of teaching, patience, and mentorship transforms training from technical instruction into life-changing personal empowerment.

Through authentic dialogue, they discuss critical topics like mindset development, tactical anatomy, decision-making under stress, and the importance of cultivating protective instincts—particularly for women and survivors of violence.

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🎯 What you'll learn from this powerhouse episode:

👉 How Special Forces training translates to real-life self-defense🧠 Why mindset matters more than marksmanship under stress🔫 The truth about "tactical anatomy" & decision-making in gunfights❤️ Empowerment for survivors & women stepping into strength🧭 Becoming your own first responder—mentally, physically, emotionally

🎙️ It’s deep. It’s real. It’s a must-listen.

Notable Quotes

* “There should be something about what you were doing last year…that makes you cringe just a little. That’s how you know you’re growing.” — Lora Thorson

* “Somewhere, someone loves you and expects you to come home.” — Cali Kerwin, via Shane

Resources & Mentions

* Personal Survival Solutions: https://www.personalsurvivalsolutions.com

* Upcoming course: Armed Citizens Encounters: Tactical Anatomy, Trauma & Treatments – July 2025

* Irregular Warfare: Singleton Operator Course w/ Brian Hill – December 2025

* A Girl & A Gun Conference – Shane will be instructing on grip, presentation, and processing multiple targets

* Combatives Association Summit – September 2025

* 🎯 Follow Defenders LIVE: http://www.Defenders-LIVE.com

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What you'll learn:

* 🎯 Why confidence without training is dangerous

* 🧠 How mindset beats gear every time

* 🛠️ 3 common gun training myths — busted

* 💬 The power of why in adult learning

* 🤝 How real connection makes safer students

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In this deeply reflective episode of Defenders LIVE, host Lora Thorson welcomes Kent Hower, Chief Instructor at Green Mountain Defense, for an unfiltered conversation about transformation, humility, and the true heart of firearms instruction. Kent shares how his early overconfidence gave way to relentless training, introspection, and ultimately a philosophy grounded in personalized education and emotional intelligence.

Despite not having a military or law enforcement background, Kent has emerged as a sought-after instructor through his deep understanding of communication, mindset, and adult learning. If you’ve ever questioned your readiness, your teaching methods, or your “why” as an instructor, this is your episode.

Notable Quotes:

"People prioritize gear over growth. Stop focusing on stuff — focus on the student."

"This moment right now — the universe gave you this. Not some paycheck. Not some follower count. This."

Connect with Kent Hower:

* 🌐 Website: greenmountaindefense.com

* 📸 Instagram/Facebook: @‌greenmountaindefense

* 🎙️ Podcast: Slinging Lead – Available on all major platforms

* 📩 Email: [email protected]

🎯 Follow Defenders LIVE: www.defenders-live.com

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In this episode, you'll learn:

* 🚫 Why "just owning a gun" isn't enough

* 🧠 The mindset that separates protectors from posers

* 💉 Why medical training might matter more than marksmanship

* 🛑 The real deal with external safeties & revolvers

* 📽️ How real self-defense encounters actually unfold

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In this packed follow-up episode, Lora welcomes back Will Workman, a firearms instructor and the thoughtful voice behind the Workman Protection YouTube channel. Together, they dive deep into the overlooked aspects of self-defense: from cringeworthy gun range myths to the critical importance of training, mindset, and medical preparedness.

Plus, Will opens up about his journey—how faith, family, and a heart for service led him from social work to becoming one of the most respected and humble voices in the firearms training community.

This isn’t just another “gun talk.” It’s about the responsibility of carrying a weapon, the reality of self-defense, and the readiness that comes from a life lived intentionally. 🚨

Notable Quotes:

* “You need to carry the gun you shoot the best that you’ll actually carry—every day.” — Will Workman

* “It’s not about cool gear. It’s about what happens when seconds count—and no one’s coming to save you.” — Lora Thorson

🛠️ Tools & Resources Mentioned

* 🎥 YouTube Channels:

* https://www.youtube.com/@WorkmanProtection

* https://www.youtube.com/@SelfDefenseEncounters

* 📧 Contact Will Workman: [email protected]

* 🌐 Visit: https://workmanprotection.com/

🎯 Follow Defenders LIVE

* Check Out Defenders Live: https://defenders-live.com/

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What you'll learn:

🔹 Building discipline before life demands it🔹 Facing fear and redefining your identity 🛡️🔹 How to move through grief and loss with strength 💔➡️❤️🔹 The secret to real growth: embracing failure 🚀🔹 Why self-compassion unlocks deeper success 🌟🔹 How to find joy even in life's toughest battles

💥 Don't miss this one — it's full of wisdom, grit, and heart!

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In this deeply inspiring and emotional episode, Lora Thorson welcomes back her cherished guest, Brian Hill of The Complete Combatant. Dubbed "The Great Brian Hill" for his profound impact on so many lives, Brian shares an intimate update about his journey through serious health challenges, personal growth, vulnerability, and rediscovering purpose.

Through authentic conversation, Lora and Brian reflect on resilience, transformation, vulnerability, and the meaning of truly living with purpose. Expect wisdom, honesty, and heartfelt moments that will leave you thinking differently about life, struggle, and strength.

Notable Quotes:

* "You build the reservoir of discipline before you need it." — Brian Hill

* "Failure is not the enemy. Avoiding failure is." — Lora Thorson

* "The obstacle is the way. Whatever stands in your way is your way." — Brian Hill

* "Gratitude and compassion aren’t weaknesses — they are the unlocks to deeper strength." — Lora Thorson

Resources

* The Complete Combatant –

* Inner Game of Shooting Class – July 2025, Montana 🇺🇸 https://www.shootingclasses.com/thecompletecombatant/course/?courseId=4363

🎯 Follow Defenders LIVE

* Check Out Defenders Live: www.defenders-live.com

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What you’ll learn:

🔍 The #1 myth about sex offenders (and who’s really the threat)💔 Why most victims stay silent for years🧠 How manipulation works—step by chilling step👶 How to build trust so your kids actually come to you🚩 How to spot red flags in behavior—not just in strangers

👂 Every parent, teacher, and protector needs to hear this.

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In this eye-opening and deeply sobering episode, we welcome back Ross Hick, a 17-year veteran of probation surveillance and behavioral monitoring, specializing in supervising high-risk felons including sex offenders, gang members, and those with severe mental illness.

Ross shares his frontline insights into the true nature of sex crimes, predators, and victim behavior—exposing dangerous myths and offering practical tools for parents, educators, and citizens to protect themselves and their families. This conversation pulls no punches, exploring how offenders operate, why punitive systems often fail, and what actually works when it comes to prevention and rehabilitation.

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains explicit and disturbing content related to sexual abuse, domestic violence, and child exploitation. Listener discretion is advised.

Notable Quotes:

* “People don’t change unless they have to. And most don’t know how to force themselves to have to.”

* “Sex offenders aren’t cured. The best we do is manage it—layered systems of accountability, for life.

📚 Resources & Links

* 🎯 Citizens Defense Research: citizensdefenseresearch.com

* 🛡️ Ross Hick’s Classes: At the Active Self Protection Conference – September in Manhattan, KS

* 📖 The Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker – Recommended reading on intuitive survival signals

* 🧩 National Sexual Violence Resource Center – nsvrc.org

🎯 Follow Defenders LIVE

* Check Out Defenders LIVE: https://www.defenders-live.com

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📌 What You’ll Learn: ✅ Why most people are unprepared for real-world trauma (and how to change that). ✅ The truth about Aggressive CPR & Narcan use. ✅ What should (and shouldn't) be in your trauma kit. ✅ Breaking myths about shotgun performance training. ✅ How life's toughest lessons can create a mindset of gratitude & purpose.

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In this episode of Defenders LIVE, Lora Thorson sits down with Jonathan Willis, a dedicated husband, father, and expert in trauma medical preparedness. With 20 years of experience as a firefighter paramedic and now an instructor at Gunset Training Group and Tactical Defense Institute, Jonathan offers life-saving insights aimed at empowering everyday people to be ready when seconds count. From the misconceptions surrounding trauma response to the incredible value of aggressive CPR and Narcan use, Jonathan’s mission is to make everyone a force multiplier in life-threatening situations.

Notable Quotes:

* “Trauma is connected to existing in the world. It’s not just about gunfights.”

* “You aren’t asked a question like that very often. So when you are, you better speak the truth.”

* “If people just would bother, it would change a lot... A lot of people would walk the earth today if we weren't thinking about outsourcing it.”

* “You better live a life of gratitude. You better be enthusiastic.”

Resources and Links:

🌐 Learn more: TrainWithWillis.com

🎯 Follow Defenders LIVE

* Check Out Defenders Live: http://www.defenders-live.com

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Join us for life-saving tactics with experts from the Tactical Anatomy Summit. Featuring: Steve Moses, Andy Anderson, Chuck Haggard, Troy Miller, and Shane Kerwin.

🎯 What You’ll Learn: ✅ Critical Shot Placement: Where & why to aim for maximum effectiveness. ✅ Real-World Gunfight Survival: How mindset and training make all the difference. ✅ Emergency Treatment Tips: What to do if you or someone else is hit. ✅ Pocket Pistols 101: Using small firearms effectively. ✅ Legal & Tactical Aftermath: What to do when the shooting is over.

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In this power-packed episode of Defenders LIVE, Lora Thorson is joined by a stellar panel of instructors from the upcoming Tactical Anatomy Summit. This unique summit features experts in emergency medicine, law enforcement, special operations, and firearms training. Together, they discuss what really happens when a bullet meets the human body, how to train for real-world gunfights, and the critical mindset required to survive and prevail in high-stress situations.

* Notable Quotes:“Hollywood gives people unrealistic expectations about what gunshot wounds look like and what they do.” - Andy Anderson

* “The gun you can get to is the better gun.” - Chuck Haggard

* “Pistols don’t work. Anything worth shooting is worth shooting twice or three times.” - Troy Miller

* “The post-fight is just as important as the fight itself. Your ability to respond effectively afterwards is critical.” - Shane Kerwin

Resources and Links:

Registration:

📅 Nashville, TN: April 12th - 13th, 2025 (SOLD OUT)📅 Fort Worth, TX: June 21st - 22nd, 2025 (LIMITED SPOTS REMAINING)🔗 Register Here: PTGTrainingLLC.com/registration

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Check Out Defenders Live: https://www.defenders-live.com

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💡 What you’ll learn: ✅ How Kids to Kings is transforming young lives through mentorship & discipline 👑 ✅ The real impact of trauma & how to break the cycle 🛑🔄 ✅ Why firearm education matters—especially in underserved communities 🎯 ✅ The role of history & family in shaping self-reliance 📜🏡 ✅ How boys thrive with structure, accountability & real leadership

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Join us as we sit down with Devin Perkins — the visionary behind Kids to Kings under Walk the Talk America. He’s an advocate for mental health, responsible firearm education, and a passionate mentor working to break cycles of trauma in underserved communities. Devin also contributes to the Guns and Mental Health podcast, where he explores the critical intersection of firearms and well-being.

Notable Quotes from Devin Perkins

* On Personal Responsibility & Breaking Cycles “I was not going to be another one of them. I did everything in my power to make sure that wasn't going to happen.”

* On Mentorship & Meeting Kids Where They Are “We’re meeting these kids where they're at, and bringing them along, and WITH the bringing them along we definitely have standards—so they're going to grow intellectually, mentally, and physically.”

* On the Importance of Teaching Boys Emotional Intelligence “Today's society is very, very hindering on boys. They are naturally going to be aggressive. You can’t suppress that—you have to curate it.”

* On the Success of Kids to Kings “Right now, success is getting phone calls from these boys asking to go to the range. That means whatever we've implemented into them, they’re still thinking about this every day.”

Resources & How to Get Involved

* Learn More & Support the Mission: Visit the website at: https://walkthetalkamerica.org/kids-to-kings/ to get detailed information about the program, see where donations go (ammo, travel, range maintenance), and find upcoming event details.

* Podcasts & Social Media:

* Listen to the Guns and Mental Health podcast for more discussions on the intersection of mental health and firearms.

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kidstokings/

* Upcoming Events: Keep an eye out for the program’s expansion into Colorado Springs and future multi-city tours that aim to bring these impactful programs to more communities.

Chapters

2:00 Origins & Motivation

10:00 Mentorship & Trust

18:00 Holistic Approach

34:00 Impact & Future Vision

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* Check Out Defenders Live: www.defenders-live.com

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💡 What you'll learn in this must-watch episode:

✅ Why freedom isn’t inherited—it must be forged 🏛️

✅ The harsh legal realities of self-defense ⚖️

✅ Castle Doctrine vs. Stand Your Ground—know the difference! 🏠🚫

✅ Why mental discipline (Stoicism) is helpful to a freer life 🧠

✅ How to prepare for the aftermath of a self-defense situation 🛡️

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In this powerful episode of Defenders Live, host Lora Thorson sits down with Alex Ooley, a dedicated advocate for personal freedom, self-defense, and constitutional rights. Alex, a practicing attorney and firearms instructor, shares his mission to help people think critically, understand their rights, and take responsibility for their own freedom.

Notable Quotes from Alex Ooley:

* "The mind of a Stoic means focusing on what you can control. If you spend your energy reacting to every headline, you're just giving away your power."

* "Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground don’t give you a license to kill. They simply remove the duty to retreat—your use of force must still be justified."

* "The best self-defense tool is not a gun—it’s knowledge. If you don’t understand the law, your rights, and your responsibilities, you’re setting yourself up for failure."

* "Freedom is not inherited; it must be forged. If we don’t actively protect it, someone else will gladly take control for us."

📢 Resources Mentioned

📌 Handgun Law Reference Guide – Handgunlaw.us📌 The Law of Self Defense – Book by Andrew Branca📌 The Armed Citizens Legal Defense Network – armedcitizensnetwork.org📌 Mas Ayoob’s Self-Defense Principles – Essential training for responsible carriers

🎙️ Connect with Alex Ooley:

Website: ForgeofFreedom.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ForgeofFreedom

Podcast: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, & more!

Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForgeofFreedom

X: https://twitter.com/ForgeofFreedom

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ForgeofFreedom

🎯 Follow Defenders LIVE

* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@defenderslive

* Instagram: https://instagram.com/DefendersLive

* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556451185471

* Check Out Defenders Live Merch: https://www.defenderslive.com/

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